Eastern Garter Not Eating

[surfstevo]

I have a wild-caught Eastern Garter (rescued him from a cat attack 1 year ago). He was apparently uninjured but I decided to keep him due to the prevalence of wild cats, hawks, etc. in my area. I figured a cozy, safe home was a deserved alternative after being in the clutches of a cat. From the get-go, he's been an avid eater (worms, fish and pinkies/fuzzies). I created a really cool vivarium for him with shelters, artificial vegetation, climbs, hides, under-base heat pads and timed lighting/overhead heat lamp for daytime. He's still quite shy and will often hide with too much movement outside the tank (a 45 gallon aquarium). He musks me almost every time I pick him up and he can be quite snappy at times. He's gone through about 4-5 "sheds" since I've had him and I assume from his size (about 24") that he's about 1.5 to 2.5 years old. While he still exhibits fairly normal behavior and seems interested in food, when presented, he has not eaten in about 2+ weeks. I've tried all his favorites listed above and he'll tongue-flick all around the tank, even nose the food, but will not eat. I really became nervous when he turned his nose up at live fish in this water bowl (he normally goes nuts for that!!). I'm in New Jersey and began to think maybe I should return him to the wild since I don't want him to wither and die on my watch. But we're getting into cooler weather finally, and I don't know if he'll be able to find a shelter for the winter, especially since he did not brumate last winter. I also fear he may not be able to fend for himself in the wild. I just want to do what's best for him. Any help, ideas, input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much in advance!

[d_virginiana]

If he's been eating in captivity, it isn't captivity stress that's causing him not to eat so don't return him to the wild because of that. If he's acting healthy otherwise he's probably just sensing the season change and going off food. Usually I don't start to worry unless mine have gone off food for at least a month. If you don't already have a heater or heat lamp for him, getting his temps up will probably get him interested in food again.

[snakegirl909]

It's the time of year. Some of mine are starting to go of as well. he is used to captivity, so don't release him. Just make sure he is hydrated and not too skinny, you shouldn't worry that much.
And welcome to the forum!!

[Mommy2many]

It is that time of the year when they start eating less or not at all. I wouldn't be concerned. Mine do it every year.
Keep offering small amounts of food maybe once a week.

[Didymus20X6]

I have a wild-caught Eastern Garter, as well. At about this time every year, she stops eating. It's because she knows that winter is coming and prepares to bruminate. And that's even when I kept her inside in a heated enclosure. Best thing to do, just keep the enclosure a little on the cool side; your snake will start eating again in the spring.

[Mommy2many]

So true! Mine start eating again with a vengeance in late February and early March. It's like somebody flipped a switch.

[snipstedy]

Is it really a must that they should hibernate? I was thinking of putting my snake in a different tank in a room with no heater for a couple weeks . How long should they and or must they hibernate for?

[guidofatherof5]

Brumation is used by breeders to help optimize breeding in the Spring. Some keepers only brumate if their snakes request it, even if they are not breeding. Snakes I'm not breeding might slowdown or go off food during the Fall/Winter months. Since I won't be breeding any snakes in the Spring I won't brumate any snakes.

[snipstedy]

So I assume they are nothing like turtles. I believe that if turtles don't hibernate their growth (especially their head) is stunted and out of proportion.

To be clear , If I dont plan to breed in the spring then I shouldnt bother w/ trying to brumate in the coldest time of winter?

Thanks for the help!

[guidofatherof5]

So I assume they are nothing like turtles. I believe that if turtles don't hibernate their growth (especially their head) is stunted and out of proportion.

To be clear , If I dont plan to breed in the spring then I shouldnt bother w/ trying to brumate in the coldest time of winter?

Thanks for the help!

Well, yes and no. If your snake wants to brumate you will probably have to accommodate it in some respect. Maybe not a full brumation but something like it. Less food, less light.